New Employee 2008

First and foremost, I just want to thank everyone at Pointbuzz. As a lurker, I have learned quite a few things about seasonal employment at Cedar Point and what it can offer me.

However, there is one thing I am up in the air about. No, this isn't a housing question (I do know how to search!), a contract question, a disagreement over the hourly wage or anything like that.

I know that I want to work on a ride (more than likely a roller coaster of some sort) but when it comes time to request one, I really have no clue what I want.

I have heard great things about being on the Raptor Crew. Does anyone else have any particular thoughts on which ride are the best to work on? While this may seem insignificant to some, I think that this decision could really play out to how much I enjoy my summer working at CP.

Any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated!

Re: New Employee 2008

The crew makes the ride. I know you said you wanted a coaster, but I can tell you that I've talked to many people who worked Turnpikes, for instance, and LOVED it, even though they originally worked on a coaster.
With that said, there are some things that may make you like/dislike a particular ride. For instance, popularity really might have an impact on whether or not you want to work a certain ride. Not up for early mornings and/or late nights? A ride like Maverick might not be for you. I worked on Wicked Twister this past summer and, to me, it was the perfect coaster. I hope to be back on Twister next year, for many reasons. One of the reasons I enjoyed it (besides the amazing crew) was because while it is still a major coaster, it isn't one of the "big guys" that draws huge crowds. It also isn't Joe Cool...err, Point Perks...so we weren't in early, and we were always out at a decent hour.

But all in all, the most important factor in whether or not you will enjoy a particular ride is the crew itself. And if you are put on what seems like it would be an amazing ride, and you aren't really meshing with the crew, you can always request a transfer and management and supervision will work with you to try to make it happen.

As for requesting a ride, when you do your interview, they might ask you what a couple of your favorite rides are. I know when I had my interview, that's what they did for me, I said Wicked Twister, and I was told that was what I would be contracted to. They try to put you on a ride you like...
BUT, you also have to realize that just because you're hired/contracted to a certain ride, you might not end up there upon processing in, so don't get your hopes too high. There are no guarantees of your ride until they physically hand you your ride manual. (and even then, you might be moved throughout the season to other rides, as needed) I remember when I processed in, I got my ID and saw 360 and thought I was 100% on Twister. The friend I processed in with, though, told me what I just told you...No matter how much paperwork you might get that has something to do with whatever ride, it really doesn't matter until you get your manual from Park Op.

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2007 - Wicked Twister (Maverick, Disaster Transport)
2008 - Wicked Twister

Re: New Employee 2008

Kirk has offered some great insight.

In my case, things were slightly different. I was never asked if I had a preference of where I wanted to be, and didn't initially put in any request. I was originally assigned to Wicked Twister, and was excited, being one of my rides of interest. Well, I worked 2 weekends before I started full time and when I arrived for my first day of work at Wicked Twister to train, I was told I would be going to WildCat for the weekend. I worked the weekend at WildCat, and loved the crew, but had heard nothing about where I would be going for the rest of the season.

That week, I emailed my manager, who informed me that I would be going to Millennium Force for the weekend. Long story short, I wound up being permanently transferred there, and never worked a day at Wicked Twister; in fact, after arriving at Millennium, I never worked a day anywhere else in the park. This was a far cry from others I knew who continually moved around as staffing required.

All in all, what Kirk said is very much true. It's the crew and the people you work with that ultimately make the experience what it is to many. One ride's crew might be amazing one year, and terrible the next, so I wouldn't base previous years on your decision. Instead, seeing as how you have no idea who the people are you'll be working with, request an attraction that you personally feel you will enjoy working at. Fast-paced, slow-paced, children, older guests, there are a lot of options to choose from. Just don't get your heart too set on anything, even after you've been assigned somewhere and signed your contract, and remember, there are no small rides and the experience is what you make of it.

Last edited by DBCP, December 31, 2007, 7:11P

Re: New Employee 2008

Like Doug and Kirk have mentioned, the crew makes the ride. They are the people you're with all day long, all season long.

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-Craig-
2008:Magnum XL-200 | 2007:Corkscrew/Magnum XL-200/Maverick
http://www.pointphotography.net/

Re: New Employee 2008

Ha. That was so embarrassing for me.

"Oh hey. Welcome to Wicked Twister. You're going to Wildcat."

For the record, they made THAT decision in Park Op about 2 minutes before you found out.

As for the OP (and all other interested new employees), I'll just say to keep an open mind. My first year I was contracted to Raptor, I got put on Raptor when I showed up, and worked Raptor all the way to the end of my contract. I had a great season, but sometimes I wish I had offered myself up to other rides. There are so many I haven't worked that I wonder if there isn't one that is better for me that I don't even know about.

So even if you don't get what you want (or hell, even if you do) keep and open mind and ask to spend a week somewhere else every once and a while. I wish I had.

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-Greaseman

2007: Wicked Twister TL
2006: Disaster Transport ATL
2005: Raptor

Re: New Employee 2008

Every newly hired employee is contracted to a specific ride, but what happens is other hired employees do not show up for whatever reason and those who do are placed where the greatest need is.

Re: New Employee 2008

I worked the weekend at WildCat, and loved the crew, but had heard nothing about where I would be going for the rest of the season.

And the crew loved you! We wanted you to stay, we had so much fun working with you.

But, like everyone has said, for the most part, the ride doesn't matter. The crew can help make or break a summer for you. The two years I've worked, I've been lucky to have great crews. They made the summer great for me. Just go in with the mindset that no matter where you are (which can change when you process in, as everyone has stated) you'll try to have a good time. That mindset can get you through more than thinking that if you're stuck at a "bad" ride, you'll have a horrible summer.

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2008-Planet Snoopy TL
2007-WildCat TL
2006-WildCat ATL

Re: New Employee 2008

I figured that I would weigh in on this little post. No one can really tell you before the season starts which ride is going to be a good ride to work because the crews aren't even made yet, heres a post that I previously put up on here a while back which might help answer your question...

ITS ALL ABOUT THE CREW!!! If you have an awesome crew it makes even a so-called bad ride pretty fun and awesome to work.

You could work on one of the best roller coasters in the park and if you dont get along with your crew then its gonna suck no matter how cool the ride is.

Everyone's experience is different, if someone says its horrible maybe they went in to that ride with the mindset that it was gonna suck and thats why it did for that particular person...maybe someone who says a certain ride is horrible had a bad crew.

The point is you cant really take anyones word for any particular ride because there are SO MANY varibles that come into play, you just have to go into any ride with an open mind and experience it for your self.

I for one LOVED working Turnpikes last year (Calypso music and all!!!)

Last edited by TurnPikePetey, January 2, 2008, 12:07P

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06-Turnpike Cars crew
07-TL of Turnpike Cars
08-TL of Turnpike Cars

Re: New Employee 2008

You may have enjoyed the Calypso music, but that was one of the most annoying things for us down in controls. I still think you turned up the music on us a couple of times.

Like others have said, your crew is what really makes a difference in most cases. Don't worry if it seems like there's a bunch of drama on the crew either, because I know that at least in the cases I experienced, the "drama" never really affected things on our crew.

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Blue Streak crew 2007

Three things you need to fix anything in the universe: duct tape, WD-40, and a hammer. Duct tape if it moves and it shouldn't, WD-40 if it doesn't move and should, and the hammer as the last resort.

Re: New Employee 2008

Me, turn up the Calypso music to annoy the poor helpless Blue Streaker that is sitting in controls? NEVER!

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06-Turnpike Cars crew
07-TL of Turnpike Cars
08-TL of Turnpike Cars

Re: New Employee 2008

Absolutely 100% correct. The crew makes the ride. They will become your home away from home. You will work together, eat together, play together, and sleep to...err..... You may have the GREATEST crew in the world (see signature), but that won't stop the occassional argument.

The first few weeks will be crucial to developing a good crew. A few things to remember. This is an amusement park. There are countless safety regulations CP is required to follow. These rules will be pounded into your head until you can cite them in your sleep. (which many of us still do, even though we haven't worked at the park in 6 years). Your TL and ATL will be under constant pressure from their supervisors, which in turn will be under pressure from higher management to maintain these safety precautions. BE PATIENT with your supervisors while they are still figuring out how to run a ride/attraction in addittion to supervising a crew. They may get snippy and rude at times, but don't take it personally, they are only doing their jobs. They will appreciate your patience.

You may encounter other first year employees at your assigned job. Remember that they may not learn as fast as you, and may require a bit more training. Please be patient with them, as this is a new experience.

Also, you are not the TL or ATL. If a guest has a concern, comment, or complaint, do not attempt to resolve the situation. Your TL and ATL have been picked for their job because they have demonstrated a number of abilities including conflict resolution. You will encounter guests who think you are the devil and want your name and badge number. Simply state that you will get your supervisor for them, and your will supervisor will happy to address their concern.

In addition, don't get upset with yourself if you make a mistake. The pressure you are under will help develop you into the best employee you can be. And soon, you won't even feel the pressure, because everything will come natural to you.

Cedar Point operates under an Open/Door Policy. If you are unhappy with the way you are being treated, or see a situation that needs to be addressed, feel free to let one of your supervisors know. If you feel that the situation was not addressed or resolved to your liking, you may take your complaints to the next level of management, right on up to Kinzel.

I really didn't plan on writing the employee handbook. I just had a few thoughts in my head and once I started typing more things kept popping into my head. I realize that some of you may agree/disagree with some of the things I have shared. Actually, I expect it. For the comfortability (if that is a word) of the CP Employee class of 2008, please feel free to share your additional thoughts and ideas.

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Challenge Racing '02

Re: New Employee 2008

Ha or you could be like me, work at Wicked Twister, get told you are going to Raptor for a week, end up being there for a month, then get moved to Sky Ride on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, and go back to Wicked Twister on the weekdays before spending a week at Millenium Force before finally ending up on Sky Ride on Saturday and Sunday for Halloweekends and Kiddy Kingdom on Friday nights......only to be moved to Sky Hawk when Sky Ride was down or Monster/Witches Wheel, and on the last weekend, spend your second to last day at Corkscrew.

If that sounded confusing, that's because it was.

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The day Kingda Ka closes will be the greatest day in the history of Existence

Re: New Employee 2008

You were on Twister in 07?? Who are you??

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2007 - Wicked Twister (Maverick, Disaster Transport)
2008 - Wicked Twister

Re: New Employee 2008

I'm new too. But how do I review it I logged on but could not do anything but log out.

I hope to get on the Bluestreak. How is that one?

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Ken
Conneaut Lake Park Bluestreak Op.

Re: New Employee 2008

You cannot view anything exciting or change information to your account until 14 days after you applied. However, many people applied more than 14 days ago, and the application still hasn't updated. You're not missing out on anything at the moment.

Re: New Employee 2008

Yeah same situation here, i can't change anything on mine yet either and i submitted mine on the 7th.

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Stephen P.
Total Maverick Rides=6
The University of Findlay M.O.B.
2008: Raptor

Re: New Employee 2008

kidcoaster said:
I hope to get on the Bluestreak. How is that one?

It depends on if you want a fast or slow work pace. At Blue Streak its both, though more on the slightly slow side. I personally enjoyed it, though the crew had a lot to do with it. It was nice being out of the spotlight of the crowd after 3pm hit and we had almost no line.

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Blue Streak crew 2007

Three things you need to fix anything in the universe: duct tape, WD-40, and a hammer. Duct tape if it moves and it shouldn't, WD-40 if it doesn't move and should, and the hammer as the last resort.

Re: New Employee 2008

Like everyoneelse said it depends on what pace you like to work... you also can just let management put you somehwere and if you dont like it just crosstrain or ask to change rides..

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reppin the 356

Dragster Crew 08
Dragster Crew 07

Re: New Employee 2008

If anybody is wondering what's going on with their application, I got word that the managers received access to all applications Monday (Feb. 4) afternoon.

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-Craig-
2008:Magnum XL-200 | 2007:Corkscrew/Magnum XL-200/Maverick
http://www.pointphotography.net/

Re: New Employee 2008

Pretty late this year with the hiring....

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2001-2003 C.P. Admissions - Resort Gate
2004 Put-In-Bay
2005 Nothing Seasonal
2006-2007 Mt Rushmore, SD